Not all humans are built alike. If you're a competitive runner or just enjoy running for exercise, you're probably familiar with Kenyan and Ethiopian marathoners' incredible stamina and unique physical traits.
Because of their culture, which prides itself on running long distances, and the elevation of their home countries, they've developed unique physical features that help them dominate running.
However, if you're like most of us, we may need a bit of extra supplementation to help achieve better running performance. Keep reading to see how supplements, such as CBD, may help increase your stamina and help you recover post-run.
Why Supplements Are Important for Runners
Running is a very specialized workout, just as weightlifting or swimming is. Kenyans, for example, have a very specialized diet, developed to give them the ability to run long distances and maintain their energy.
While you don't need supplements to run, you might not be getting the most out of your workouts without them. Because running requires extreme energy, your body often needs to draw untapped reservoirs to complete your journey.
With proper supplementation, you'll handle pre and post-running routines better and achieve better overall results. But what are the best supplements for muscle recovery?
Best Supplements for Runners
While nothing substitutes for proper nutrition, the following supplements have the most benefits to help your running routine. If you follow a balanced diet, things like B vitamins, which are crucial for running long distances, won't be challenging to absorb.
The following supplements are extras that your body will need to achieve maximum running performance. On top of a high-carb diet rich in leafy greens and vegetables, these supplements will be enough to help you run longer and feel better post-run.
Calcium
Runners need high calcium levels for strong bones and to prevent stress fractures, a common injury. Calcium helps ease joint pain and gets different organs working in concert. To ensure you're getting proper absorption, take a calcium supplement that contains vitamin D.
Potassium
When you sweat, your body loses valuable electrolytes and potassium. Low potassium levels can increase blood pressure, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. While you can get most of your potassium from a well-rounded diet, adding a potassium supplement ensures your muscles won't break down during your run.
Spirulina
A 2010 study showed that runners who ingested spirulina ran an average of 30 percent longer than the placebo group. The study demonstrated that spirulina, algae loaded with vitamins, increased the body's glycogen stores and helped runners utilize fat stores more efficiently.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and immune booster. Because it's an anti-inflammatory, as well, vitamin C may help you recover faster after a long run.
Magnesium
This vitamin is in a class by itself. Because magnesium is lost through sweat, runners need more than the average adult. Magnesium helps ease muscle soreness and recover faster. Runners should aim at 500mg per day.
Vitamin E
When running, recent studies suggest your body experiences free radical damage. Vitamin E contains potent antioxidants that fight oxidative damage to your cells and prevent free radical damage associated with endurance activity. A 2000 study suggested that all endurance athletes aim for at least 100-200mg of vitamin E daily.
Vitamin D-3 with K-2
Most people have low vitamin D levels. A 2009 study reported that nearly three-quarters of adults lack adequate vitamin D levels. For runners, this vitamin is crucial for bone and immune health. A 2012 report stated that athletes run a different risk of developing stress fractures, illness, and musculoskeletal pain due to vitamin D deficiency.
By incorporating D-3 with vitamin K-2, evidence suggests you'll increase bioavailability and boost the impact they have on your health. Bone health, in particular, is aided by these two vitamins working together as they both help process calcium. They may even help counter the effects of COVID.
Adding after-workout recovery supplements to your daily routine can help prevent muscle sprains and soreness.
CBD for Runners
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the latest supplement to hit the market and shows promise in treating inflammation. When ingested, CBD interacts with your ECS (Endocannabinoid System), a physiological component all mammals share.
Responsible for regulating inflammation biomarkers such as pain and sleep, the ECS may be negatively triggered by endurance training. Some advantages runners may benefit from taking CBD include the following:
- Helping recover faster by reducing inflammation.
- An all-natural alternative to NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Achieving better sleep for post-workout recovery
- It May help with asthma and allergies for outside training.
Can I Take CBD Before a Run?
Absolutely, but you probably won't experience an immediate result unless you start a CBD regimen. It can take up to two weeks for your ECS to fully feel the effects of CBD. You'll also need to tinker with what dosage works best for you. After a while, you should notice the impact, both before and after your run.
Best CBD To Take for Runners
There are many options for CBD. Take several CBD products together. Mix CBD isolates powder with your post-workout smoothie. Below are the top three CBD products for optimal running performance.
1. Topical CBD
Because sore muscles are one of the most common complaints in runners, topical CBD tops the list. What makes CBD topicals, such as our CBD salve or lotion, so effective is you can apply them directly to the muscle. By incorporating CBD into your skin, you'll also notice the anti-inflammatory benefits to the rest of your body.
2. CBD Oil for Runners
CBD oil is the most potent way to receive the benefits of cannabis. That's because it's processed through your liver - going directly to your CB receptors located in your ECS system. If you want to experience the most impact, consider choosing our full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains a small amount of THC (0.3%) and over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant.
3. CBD Gummies
For a quick energy hit, CBD gummies work great. Runners need sugars and electrolytes during long runs. Our CBD gummies provide some vital sugars and carbs and a potent hit of CBD. CBD gummies are easy to carry and also delicious.
If you want to learn more about Supplements for runners, contact Eden's Herbals at support@edensherbals.com today!
*These statements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any illness. Medical advice should be taken from a medical professional.
All of the articles on this site are written by 3rd party content providers, expert bloggers, or doctors not directly affiliated with Eden's Herbals.
Individuals should learn the risks and side effects prior to taking CBD. Make sure to always check with a medical professional before starting any new CBD treatment or medication that is not FDA approved.
